Apple changes iPhones again: so it will be possible to download apps

If that's not a breakthrough, it's a close call. Apple has announced that it will for the first time allow European users to download iPhone applications from web platforms, and not only from its store or alternative stores. A necessary move, that of the Cupertino giant, to comply with the European Union regulations included in the latest Digital Markets Act, which aims to regulate the Big Tech market.

The revision announced in these hours is a historic step for developers and users of iPhones (and Apple products in general). Apple will also allow developers to offer discounts to users outside the app store and will allow third-party marketplaces to offer their own developed apps.

Most of the changes will come into effect immediately, with the exception of Apple's offer to allow developers to distribute apps from websites, which will be launched in the spring, Cupertino said.

"With iOS 17.4," they explained from Apple, "we launched alternative app marketplaces that can offer a catalogue of apps from other developers in addition to the marketplace developer's own apps. Today we are announcing that marketplaces can also offer a catalogue consisting exclusively of the marketplace developer's own apps. This change takes effect immediately.

The move is the latest in a series of changes made by Apple to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act, which came into force this month. The law targets the dominant position of platforms such as Alphabet's Google Search, Apple's App Store, Amazon.com and Meta's Facebook, in an attempt to improve competition. These companies have to comply with a series of rules in order not to incur significant penalties of up to 10% of annual worldwide turnover (and up to 20% for repeat offenders).